Outside My Brain Again

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Now that I have over 10,000 followers on Twitter, I wanted to do an experiment and use the power of the written word (140 characters at a time). We all have dreams, we all want to make the world a better place. We want to have a better year this year than we did last year. Let the world know what your dreams are. All you have to do, is post an update from your Twitter account stating your life dreams. Yes, it will require you to think, to dig deep, because you only have 140 characters, less the hash tag #lifedreams.

If you use Twitter and would like to be listed on this post, log-in to Twitter and post an update using the hash tag #lifedreams. I will do my best to stay on top of posting all of the responses here for others to see.

It will be interesting to get to know everyone. I'm curious, as I'm sure you are, what people will say. Your response could have a dramatic impact on the life of someone clear across the planet.

If you came here from Twitter, welcome! I'm totally sold on the power of Twitter and look forward to getting to know you even better through this project and through your Tweets. If you are not following me already on Twitter, you can do so by clicking on my picture:

Follow me on Twitter!~click the pic~

When you have posted your #lifedreams on Twitter please post the following in your Twitter update:

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Greatness comes to those who persevere. Those who rise up to the challenge before them. Reaching deep inside ourselves we find the courage and strength to carry on.

Every once in a while someone accomplishes something that makes the world take notice. This one happens to be caught on tape. I challenge you to watch this video. This video portrays one man's love and devotion for his son.

You will be inpspired... You will be moved to tears... You will want to pass this on!

Friday, May 30, 2008

There is a special treat for you (regarding music) at the end of this post. Please enjoy the article:

Does the sound of your internal music attract other people toward you, or repel them away from you? What music is playing inside of you, right now? Is it upbeat and strong, or is it melancholy and sad?

I am not talking about the last tune you heard on the radio, which is now stuck in your head. Or, that stupid commercial jingle that you haven't been able to shake all afternoon, although these things do temporarily effect the tempo of your inner music, what I am referring to is your "internal" music. The music that emanates from your soul outward to the rest of the world.

At any given moment of your existence, your internal music is playing so that others around you can hear it loud and clear. This concept has also been referred to many times as the "Law of Attraction". The Law of Attraction has been written about so extensively, that you should easily be able to find a myriad of information on the subject just by typing those three words in to Google Search. It is also the basic premises of the national best selling book "The Secret". Unfortunately, many websites you will find on the Law of Attraction (and the book itself) are filled with New Age fluff that I don't personally believe is necessary, but I digress.

The point I am making is that people can hear your internal music before you even walk into a room. It precedes you, much like the radio waves of a radio station proceed forth from it. And, now you want to subscribe to my blog. The only difference is that the radio tower that emits your music (your brain) is mobile, as compared to the tall, stationary radio towers that you see spotted across the landscape of your local town.

Your internal music is made up of the most prominent thoughts, emotions and images that you keep at the forefront of your brain. In other words, whatever you think about most, whatever you focus on most, these become the dominant factors that make up your internal music. For more on changing what you focus on, check out another article of mine: "If what you see is what you get - What do you see?"

External music can also be used quite effectively to change your "inner music" over time. Due to the fact that your brain tends to repeat your stronger thoughts and emotions throughout the day, your brain picks up on the fact that you produce stronger emotions when listening to some songs, then you do when you listen to others. Your brain decides, for you, that the stronger emotions represent things that are important to you, therefore, it replays those songs or events of the day, over and over again which represent your emotionally charged experiences.

Unfortunately, this brain function also occurs as a result of traumatic situations as well. This is why the victim of a car crash (or some other traumatic incident) seems to replay, in their minds, the same scene over and over again. Depending on the degree of emotion, the scenes never cease to be replayed as in the tragic death of a family member.

For more on the relationship between music and your brain, check out This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of Human Obsession, by Daniel Levitin. You can click on the book's title to head to his website where he has some very interesting information about the concept I am presenting here. On a teen blog that reviews library books, called Ya Know at BCL, one can find a review of Levitin's book, which includes this statement:

"Humans prefer music of their own culture when they're toddlers, but it's in our teens that we choose the specific sort of music that we'll love forever. Those years are emotional times, 'and we tend to remember things that have an emotional component because our amygdala and neurotransmitters act in concert to 'tag' the memories as something important.'"

"I wonder if we choose music to fit our moods more or do we choose music to change our moods. I would probably have to go with the first option. This could be a problem though. If someone is depressed and they only listen to depressing songs, then they probably won’t get out of that stage very soon..."

She is very correct in her assessment. Music does have the power to effect your mood and therefore your actions. Listening to depressing songs, when you are depressed, won't help you much, if your intent is to change how you feel. The truth is, you can use this technology (or brain power) to your advantage. You can change your internal music. You can create a more upbeat, positive music that emanates from your brain to those around you, thereby attracting more upbeat, positive people into your life.

I personally believe that God gave us all music to enjoy (albeit Satan has perverted this gift, by creating some music that is downright evil). The Bible itself is full of verses pertaining to music. Here are some that stood out to me regarding this subject:

Psalm 98:4 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;"

Psalm 108:1 "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul."

Ephesian 5:19-20 "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

God created you with the ability to be "moved" emotionally by music. The music that you listen to on a regular basis can effect your mood and in turn your actions. Not only is it the external music that you listen to on a regular basis, it is also your dominant thoughts that cause you to "re-present" your internal music to the world. If you want to change your circumstances, you need to change your internal music by changing your dominant thoughts, especially your emotional charged thoughts. You need to create an internal symphony that attracts exactly who and what you want in your life.

Now that you understand this concept, it is up to you to determine what you choose to allow into your brain. What are you listening to all day? What are those around you listening to?

It is affecting you, and it's up to you to take control of the situation. If you don't like the music that you hear around you, either audibly or coming from someone else's internal music, than you must do something about it. Although changing the station, CD or someone else's internal music, may or may not be possible, you do have the choice to remove yourself from the situation. Only you can change the situation, if necessary, so decide right now, what you need to do to get yourself out of the situation you are in and move forward.

In the meantime, I used Stumble Upon to find this great website that allows you create a "stream" of your very own music, unique only to you. You can choose the genre, the era, the beat, the mood and it creates a continuous, hour-long or so, play list of songs from the parameters that you have set. It's better than radio... it is truly amazing. Use it right now, to change your music. Change your mood, enhance your desire to move forward, to become the best that you can be. You can do it! I know you can!

Remember to subscribe before you leave. I always respond to comments and I look forward to reading yours!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

This is a list that I have compiled of various blogs that are catagorized by the personality of the blogger using the Myers-Briggs typology test. Imagine, finding the blog of another person that shares a similar (or maybe even the same) personality type as you.

I started a Discussion thread on BlogCatolog because I was curious to see what the personality traits of bloggers are. I wanted to know if there is a dominant type of person who fills the pages of the blogosphere with anything from personal journals to information rich SEO blogs.

As the thread grew, I discovered that I wasn't the only one who was curious, so I created this list. If you already know your M-B type (i.e. ESFP,INTJ, etc.) you can scroll down the list and find other blogs in your category and click away. If you have not taken the Myers-Briggs typology test (or if you took it some time ago) there is a great, free 3-5 minute version here: Myers-Briggs typology test (Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the test site, nor do I particularly endorse any links that may be present on their site.)

Once you take the test you can just scroll down the list and find blogs that are listed in the same category as you. If my theory is correct, you should really enjoy the content of the blogs that share your same M-B type. If you own a blog and would like to be added to the list, leave your 4-letter type in the comments sections and I will add you to the list. Then, write a post on your blog describing yourself and your experience taking the test with a link back to this post. (See the end of this post for several examples.)

The good news is that there is no wrong answer, you are they way you are and there is nothing wrong with that. Here is some information on the Myers-Briggs typology test that will help you decipher the meaning of your 4-letter personality type.

You will come up with one of the following sixteen 4-letter combinations:

The first criterion, Extraversion - Introversion defines the source and direction of energy expression for a person. The extravert has a source and direction of energy expression mainly in the external world while the introvert has a source of energy mainly in the internal world.

The second criterion, S ensing - INntuition defines the method of information perception by a person. Sensing means that a person believes mainly information he or she receives directly from the external world. Intuition means that a person believes mainly information he or she receives from the internal or imaginative world.

The third criterion, Thinking - F eeling defines how the person processes information. Thinking means that a person makes a decision mainly through logic. Feeling means that, as a rule, he or she makes a decision based on emotion.

The fourth criterion,Judging - Perceiving defines how a person implements the information he or she has processed. Judging means that a person organizes all his life events and acts strictly according to his plans. Perceiving means that he or she is inclined to improvise and seek alternatives.

List of Blogs

by Myers-Briggs Typolgy Test

(If you find a missing, broken or wrong link - please let me know)

Disclaimer: The author does not necessarily endorse the contents of the following weblogs.

ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them; however, most ISFJs find more than enough with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. ISFJs are often unappreciated, at work, home, and play. Ironically, because they prove over and over that they can be relied on for their loyalty and unstinting, high-quality work, those around them often take them for granted--even take advantage of them. In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities; they are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others. (more... )

ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are. (more... )

ESTPs are spontaneous, active folks. Like the other SPs, ESTPs get great satisfaction from acting on their impulses. Activities involving great power, speed, thrill and risk are attractive to the ESTP. Chronic stifling of these impulses makes the ESTP feel "dead inside." (more... )

(none listed yet - yours could be the first)

ENTJ

"I don't care to sit by the window on an airplane. If I can't control it, why look?"

ENTJs have a natural tendency to marshall and direct. This may be expressed with the charm and finesse of a world leader or with the insensitivity of a cult leader. The ENTJ requires little encouragement to make a plan. One ENTJ put it this way... "I make these little plans that really don't have any importance to anyone else, and then feel compelled to carry them out." While "compelled" may not describe ENTJs as a group, nevertheless the bent to plan creatively and to make those plans reality is a common theme for NJ types. (more... )

ESTJs thrive on order and continuity. Being extraverted, their focus involves organization of people, which translates into supervision. While ENTJs enjoy organizing and mobilizing people according to their own theories and tactically based agendas, ESTJs are content to enforce "the rules," often dictated by tradition or handed down from a higher authority. (more... )

(none listed yet)

INFJ

Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power. INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ. (more... )

Like their fellow SPs, ISTPs are fundamentally Performers (note the capital 'P' :-)), but as Ts their areas of interest tend to be mechanical rather than artistic like those of ISFPs, and unlike most ESPs they do not present an impression of constant activity. On the contrary, they lie dormant, saving their energy until a project or an adventure worthy of their time comes along--and then they launch themselves at it. The apparently frenzied state that inevitably ensues is actually much more controlled than it appears--ISTPs always seem to know what they're doing when it comes to physical or mechanical obstacles--but the whole chain of events presents a confusing and paradoxical picture to an outsider. (more... )

To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know. (more... )

ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ. As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss. (more... )

ENFPs are both "idea"-people and "people"-people, who see everyone and everything as part of an often bizarre cosmic whole. They want to both help (at least, their own definition of "help") and be liked and admired by other people, on bo th an individual and a humanitarian level. They are interested in new ideas on principle, but ultimately discard most of them for one reason or another. (more... )

"Where's the party?" ESFPs love people, excitement, telling stories and having fun. The spontaneous, impulsive nature of this type is almost always entertaining. And ESFPs love to entertain -- on stage, at work, and/or at home. Social gatherings are an energy boost to these "people" people. SPs sometimes think and talk in more of a spider-web approach. Several of my ESFP friends jump from thought to thought in mid-sentence, touching here or there in a manner that's almost incoherent to the listener, but will eventually cover the waterfront by skipping on impulse from one piece of information to another. It's really quite fascinating. New! ESFPs are attracted to new ideas, new fashions, new gadgets, new ______. Perhaps it's the newness of life that attracts ESFPs to elementary education, especially to preschool and kindergarten. (more... )

"Clever" is the word that perhaps describes ENTPs best. The professor who juggles half a dozen ideas for research papers and grant proposals in his mind while giving a highly entertaining lecture on an abstruse subject is a classic example of the type. So is the stand-up comedian whose lampoons are not only funny, but incisively accurate. ENTPs are usually verbally as well as cerebrally quick, and generally love to argue--both for its own sake, and to show off their often-impressive skills. They tend to have a perverse sense of humor as well, and enjoy playing devil's advocate. They sometimes confuse, even inadvertently hurt, those who don't understand or accept the concept of argument as a sport. (more... )

Guardians of birthdays, holidays and celebrations, ESFJs are generous entertainers. They enjoy and joyfully observe traditions and are liberal in giving, especially where custom prescribes. All else being equal, ESFJs enjoy being in charge. They see problems clearly and delegate easily, work hard and play with zest. ESFJs, as do most SJs, bear strong allegiance to rights of seniority. They willingly provide service (which embodies life's meaning) and expect the same from others. (more... )

INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder. One might say they see life through rose-colored glasses. It's as though they live at the edge of a looking-glass world where mundane objects come to life, where flora and fauna take on near-human qualities. INFP children often exhibit this in a 'Calvin and Hobbes' fashion, switching from reality to fantasy and back again. With few exceptions, it is the NF child who readily develops imaginary playmates (as with Anne of Green Gables's "bookcase girlfriend"--her own reflection) and whose stuffed animals come to life like the Velveteen Rabbit and the Skin Horse: (more... )

ISFPs are the first to hear the different drummer. Many eagerly plunge into new fashions, avant garde experiences, 'hip' trends--some even setting the trends. More in touch with the reality of their senses than their INFP counterparts, ISFPs live in the here and now. Their impulses yearn to be free, and are often loosed when others least expect it. The ISFP who continually represses these impulses feels 'dead inside' and may eventually cut and run. (One ISFP friend has become nonambulatory within the past few years. He will still, on impulse, leave home in the middle of the night and go to Las Vegas or wherever, regardless of the difficulties of his physical condition.) (more... )

INTPs are pensive, analytical folks. They may venture so deeply into thought as to seem detached, and often actually are oblivious to the world around them. Precise about their descriptions, INTPs will often correct others (or be sorely tempted to) if the shade of meaning is a bit off. While annoying to the less concise, this fine discrimination ability gives INTPs so inclined a natural advantage as, for example, grammarians and linguists. INTPs are relatively easy-going and amenable to almost anything until their principles are violated, about which they may become outspoken and inflexible. They prefer to return, however, to a reserved albeit benign ambiance, not wishing to make spectacles of themselves. (more... )

I hope that you have enjoyed discovering more about yourself and others like you. Let me know what your experience was here in the comments section. Please check back often as the list continues to grow.

If you own a blog, just leave a comment if you want me to add your blog to the list. I would appreciate it if you write a post about your personality type with a link to this post. By sending others here, we will all get more visitors. Someone might just end up on your site because of another blogger's post. Here are some great examples to use:

Click My Pic!

Thank You For Stopping By!

The title of my blog comes from the fact that everything you are reading on this page is now "Outside My Brain".

I am a motivational speaker / successful entrepreneur. I got my start in Network Marketing by working hard for 8 solid years. I retired 6 years ago and have been living life, how I want to live it, off of my residual income. I am launching a new venture, right now, if you are interested let me know.

I am compiling posts that will give you tips, skill sets and thought provoking ideas about getting the most out of life including your relationships, your finances, your health, your spiritual life and your career. I am a born-again Christian, so I won't be pushing any humanistic, self-centered ideas here, just good information based on the golden rule and the Bible.

Enjoy the content, leave a comment so I know what you are thinking and be sure to subscribe before you leave so you won't miss anything. One good idea or concept could change your life forever.

Welcome! Check out the Pics

Followers

Outside My Brain-Humor Blog

Fun Geography Learning Game

This Traveler IQ was calculated on Thursday, September 04, 2008 at 07:00AM GMT by comparing this person's geographical knowledge against the Web's Original Travel Blog's 3,021,882 travelers who've taken the challenge.